SRQ DAILY May 2, 2025
Friday Weekend Edition
"I did not bracket, I did not take multiple exposures, I would just take a shot and move on."
As I weave back to my seat for Act II of Syncopated Avenue and the theater settles into its quiet but expectant hush, like a collective Moses willing the curtains to part and the show to go on, the woman to my right confesses to her neighbor in a confidential whisper loud enough for everyone to hear: “The story is silly… but tap is a dying art and I’m so glad he’s bringing it back.”
Which kind of sums up this review.
Created and written by Nate Jacobs—WBTT founder/artistic director/spokesman/de facto playwright-in-residence/all-around #1 hypeman—and brother Michael Jacobs, Syncopated Avenue brings audiences street-level and eyewitness to the David & Goliath showdown between a neighborhood dance studio (and club?) and the forces of Great Gentrification. It’s a classic—and Sarasota-relevant—story of the plucky family business vs. encroaching developers, all wrapped up in a romcom, with a dash of history, a touch of Faust and characters as broad as a billboard.
We’ve got the obstinate old-head owner who all but calls the rest of the cast “whippersnappers,” the slick-suited businessman with Don’t Trust Me stamped on his forehead, and, somewhere between missing legal contracts and an imminent 25th-anniversary blowout, boy meets girl. (Yes, the owner has a daughter. She’s beautiful, she does everything the boys do but does it in heels, and the male protagonist falls for her at first sight. Eat your heart out, Hallmark.)
Narratively, this is well-trodden ground for Syncopated Avenue to navigate. It does so, however, in some mighty fine tap shoes.
WBTT regulars expecting to see regular WBTT faces may be surprised when the curtain rises on some unfamiliar mugs, but they won’t be disappointed by what comes next. If the story is thin, it’s because the production’s dance card is full-to-bursting, with a whopping 25 song-and-dance (song-and-tap?) numbers crammed into its two acts. And this is where Syncopated Avenue’s true passion becomes apparent—as does the necessity of a cast with a very particular set of skills.
Choreographed by Lamont Brown (who also stars as aforementioned male protagonist) and set to music and lyrics by Louis Danowsky and the Jacobs brothers, respectively, Syncopated Avenue is, more than anything, a full-bodied celebration of the art of tap, which, though perhaps not dead, has at least been visited by a priest. But you wouldn’t know it from the energy onstage, as the ensemble taps and twirls through quicksteps and marathon medleys. And with each heel drop and toe tap, every shuffle and flap, the argument for tap’s return grows stronger. Clickety clack. Clickety clack.
It’s like subversive Morse code tap-telegraphed to the brain, a message on repeat: tap dance is cooler than you thought… tap dance is cooler than you thought… tap dance is cooler than you thought…
I just wish the story gave them more to dance about.
Currently onstage at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Syncopated Avenue runs through May 25.
Pictured: Syncopated Avenue on the WBTT stage. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
All too often the beauty of everyday life is dismissed as mundane. The daily rituals that one goes about, from commuting to work to grabbing coffee to picking up the newspaper, may seem trivial. To photographers such as Sarasota resident Louis Von Beckhoff, however, they are precious moments to be captured with a flash and frozen in time. Von Beckhoff, now 76-years-old, grew up in Philadelphia and in a short time amassed a catalog of film photography—primarily in black and white—that captures a bygone era of 1960s America.
Like the snap of a lens, Von Beckhoff’s time as a photographer was short. What started in the 1960s with the gift of a Zeiss Ikon Contessa Rangefinder from his father after graduating high school ended abruptly in 1970 when his camera equipment was stolen. His father, having witnessed the theft, chased after the thief and suffered a fatal heart attack.
In his brief photographic period, however, Von Beckhoff produced a body of work that has garnered critical acclaim for its raw, unfettered approach and has been shown in the galleries in New York, Tokyo, Mexico and France. Von Beckhoff, who never had formal training as a photographer, photographed everything that caught his eye, from the people on the streets of Philadelphia to intimate portraits of his friends and neighbors to landscapes of the Caribbean.
“I carried my camera like a guy carries a six-gun. I didn’t bracket, I didn’t take multiple exposures, I would just take a shot and move on,” says Von Beckhoff. “People have told me that I’m a marvel at capturing light, so I wasn’t really trying for anything other than if I saw a moment that moved me, I would take the shot.”
The spontaneity of Von Beckhoff produced shots such as Man with a snow cone, South Philadelphia. One day, Von Beckhoff came across an old dilapidated brownstone that he thought would make for a good photograph.
“I had to go out into the middle of the street in order to get the composition that I was looking for. While I was doing that, this guy was walking down the sidewalk with a snow cone and steps right into my photo when I snapped the shutter—I had no idea he was coming,” says Von Beckhoff. “That was just luck and to this day it’s one of my favorite photos.”
Louis Von Beckhoff’s work can be seen on his website and in his book, Moments in Time Past.
Joanne and Judy, Philadelphia. Photo by Louis Von Beckhoff.
The Palmetto Marriott is proud to announce that Florida native and rising country-rock artist Rob Langdon will be the headlining live performer at this year’s highly anticipated Taste and Toast event, taking place on Saturday, May 3.
A son of the Sunshine State, Langdon’s musical journey took flight in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains while attending Appalachian State University. Deeply inspired by the Texas music scene, Rob’s performances are heartfelt, high-energy, and rooted in raw, authentic songwriting.
Guests at Taste and Toast will enjoy a vibrant evening filled with gourmet tastings, hand-crafted cocktails and an unforgettable live performance by one of country music’s most promising new voices.
May 3 at 3:30pm, Palmetto Mariott Resort and Spa, 600-US Highway 41, Palmetto
Rob Langdon. Provided photo.
The North Sarasota County Schools show, a 45+ year tradition, continues at Art Center Sarasota, showcasing youth work on gallery walls for two weeks. This event brings the community together, inspires students to pursue careers in art, and offers prestigious awards and scholarships. When you support Art Center Sarasota’s Youth and Family Programming, you help shape a community where creativity is nurtured, families connect through art, and every child has the opportunity to discover their artistic voice. Be sure to visit this incredible exhibition before it closes on Saturday, May 10th. Also, be sure to check out our incredible Summer Art Camp lineup.
Sarasota County is hosting a public event at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at Snook Haven Park, 5000 E. Venice Ave. in Venice, to celebrate the kickoff of the Snook Haven Park Improvement Project. This is a major initiative to enhance this historic, riverfront destination located along the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. The $8.75 million upgrades are designed to preserve the park’s beloved “Old Florida” charm while enhancing accessibility and the overall visitor experience. Originally purchased by Sarasota County in 2006, Snook Haven Park has long served as a unique hub for outdoor recreation. Construction is expected to begin shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony, with completion anticipated by mid-2026. Additionally, the county will soon issue a solicitation for a unique concession opportunity to provide food and beverage service, live entertainment and eco-tourism services.
A powerful new photography exhibition by Sarasota native Michael Kinsey is now on display at the historic Leonard Reid House, spotlighting the contributions of longtime African American residents and Black retirees living along the Suncoast. The house is located at 2529 North Orange Avenue and is open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The spring 2025 exhibition features a limited series of portraits selected from Kinsey’s larger collection of 50 photographs, which first debuted in January 2024. The original exhibit sparked meaningful conversations about the lived experiences of Black engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, activists, administrators, attorneys and artists who have shaped Sarasota’s cultural and civic landscape. This season’s installation continues that dialogue in the current, increasingly charged climate. Each portrait celebrates the strength, resilience and multifaceted identity of Sarasota’s Black community.
Photo courtesy of The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County invites the community to “Perspective. Practice. Place.” a summit on arts, community, and creative leadership, on Wednesday, May 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Sarasota Opera House. This unique gathering offers an uplifting and thought-provoking afternoon dedicated to exploring how the arts bring people together, strengthen our collective spirit, and amplify the creative and social capital needed in times of change. The Arts Alliance is honored to welcome Deborah F. Rutter as the event’s keynote speaker. Rutter is a nationally recognized cultural leader and advocate for the arts, best known for her historic tenure as the first female president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from 2014 to 2025.
Step into the charming world of A Year with Frog and Toad, a Tony-nominated musical that brings Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters to life through delightful songs and heartwarming storytelling. This enchanting production follows two best friends, Frog and Toad, as they navigate the four seasons, learning lessons of friendship, perseverance, and joy along the way.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
This half-day experience is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and connections to elevate your career and amplify your impact. Through dynamic speakers and interactive sessions, you’ll gain the confidence to step beyond self-doubt, embrace new opportunities, and take ownership of your success.
Carlisle Inn and Conference Center – Sarasota, 3727 Bahia Vista Street Sarasota, FL 34232
The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Alan Dershowitz and Steven Donziger have spent their legal careers standing up for the unfairly targeted. Both have seen the government and private industries manipulate the legal system as a way to punish their adversaries. Donziger himself was disbarred and incarcerated after his international legal victories over Chevron, and his conviction has drawn calls for a pardon from leaders across the political spectrum. Two grizzled courtroom veterans relive their toughest fights, both in triumph and defeat, while conveying just how easy it can be to find the target landing on your own back.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The Manatee Chamber’s Headliners luncheons are designed to equip business leaders with key insights into critical community issues. They are also a great opportunity to make new connections while discussing important business and community topics. These events are informative and offer valuable networking. Whether you choose individual open seating or prefer the reserved, guaranteed group seating of full and half tables, you will be part of a dynamic and engaging experience.
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch at Selby Gardens! Ticket price includes a hot and cold brunch buffet catered by Michael’s on East featuring an omelet and pancake station, carvings station, dessert bar, plus coffee, tea, and water. All other beverages will be available for purchase. Your brunch ticket also grants you full access to our Downtown Sarasota Campus to view the gardens and Spring Exhibition, George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life, before or after your seating time.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
VOICES is a creative project that, through the narratives of multiple voices, seeks to foster an open conversation about issues relevant to the community and realities we want to make visible through oral testimonies. It is based on conversations with members of the Hispanic community in Manatee and Sarasota County, whose stories are interwoven to create a narrative that will be performed in Spanish (with English subtitles) by actors and actresses on stage. The performance will conclude with a bilingual discussion between the audience, directors, testimonial participants, and actors.
CreArte Latino, 1913 Northgate Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34234
This year, we’re turning up the fun with Bourbons & Barks - Raising Spirits for Rescues! Join us on May 8th for a fantastic evening dedicated to supporting our furry friends in need. The event will include spirit tastings and raffles on the patio and a VIP dinner in the M&M lounge (limited availability). Join us for a night of tastings and cuddling with rescue pups, all for a good cause!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, 351 North Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232
Join us for a Bistro Pop-Up Night! Enjoy an after-hours gallery tour and a 4-course dinner curated by Executive Chef Peyton Leffingwell. The Bistro fare is inspired by Florida’s regional fruit stands and farmer’s markets, and emphasizes local produce, healthy proteins and artisanal specialty items.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236
The grand finale of the ‘Opera on the Bay’ series —Gioachino Rossini’s comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville — will be screened from 7-9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful music, performed by an all-star cast that includes baritone Filippo Fontana, mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali, bass-baritone Andrew Gilstrap, and bass Young Bok Kim, with the Sarasota Opera orchestra conducted by Marcello Cormio.
The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL
America’s media is rapidly being transformed, and that transformation is accelerating. Over 20 years, traditional news organizations lost more than half of their daily newspaper circulation. Beyond technology, the shift to social media was driven by a plummeting of trust in national news outlets, whose reporting was often overtly biased and false. Ironically, after social media platforms emerged as the new town square, they rapidly became tools for censorship, at times in collusion with government, most vividly on display during COVID.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Experience Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, an iconic Italian opera featuring one of the most famous arias in the repertoire, the clown Canio tries to go on with the show after learning of his wife’s infidelity, but his real-life humiliation and despair lead to a grim climax. The opera features soprano Ashley Milanese, baritone Jean-Carlos Rodríguez and tenor Rafael Dávila, with Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi conducting the Sarasota Opera orchestra. A live performance by Sarasota Youth Opera, who performed in the opera on the mainstage during the 2025 season, will open the film screening.
The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL
FREE to attend, our annual Fishing Seminar is where you'll learn the fundamentals of fishing, preparing you for our annual Fishing Tournament (happening in October)! Join us for an engaging and educational experience that will teach kids and teens alike a hands-on introduction to the world of fishing!
Lakewood Ranch Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Saddle up and join us for a 5-course dinner paired with wine and bourbon cocktails! We will honor the traditions of Churchill Downs with a nod to Derby-Day classic bourbon cocktails and cuisine. Each course paired with the official wines and bourbon of the Kentucky Derby! We will honor the food and beverage traditions, and we encourage our guests to don their Derby-Day finest! Hats encouraged as we celebrate 151st year of the Kentucky Derby!
Pop's Sunset Grill, 112 Circuit Road, Nokomis, FL 34275
Wellen Park invites families, outdoor enthusiasts and anglers of all ages to grab their gear and head to the water for the inaugural Wellen Park Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to noon in Downtown Wellen. Presented by BB Living and in partnership with Stocking Savvy, this community-focused event promises a full day of fishing fun, friendly competition and waterfront excitement at one of the region’s most scenic outdoor destinations.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
Join Cask & Ale for a Party celebrating the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 3! The traditions continue with honors paid to the best Bourbon, the rituals of Spring and the greatest two minutes in sports! We'll have our Derby Hat + Bowtie contests, prizes, specialty cocktails and of course, Mint Juleps with our housemade simple syrup. Bring your friends and lift a toast to fast horses, bourbon & the Run for the Roses, Cask & Ale-style. Proceeds to benefit Men Wear Pink.
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
In May - which is Mental Health Awareness Month - Sunshine From Darkness will present the Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit. The event, which is free and open to the community, is designed to raise awareness, provide valuable resources, and foster meaningful conversations about mental health. There will be expert speakers as well as tabling by various mental health- and wellness-related organizations.
The Venue @ LEC, 3650 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34235
The 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala will lead the charge to eclipse $100 million in amount raised toward pediatric cancer research and the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The 19th Gala capped a record-breaking year of fundraising. At the event, it was announced that $24.8 million was raised, bringing the overall funds raised since the inception of the Gala to nearly $93 million.
The Ritz-CarltonThe Ritz-Carlton,The Ritz-CarltoThe Ritz-Carlton,the ritThe Ritz-Carlton,, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
ArtCenter Manatee once again joins with the School District of Manatee County to showcase the work of K-12 visual arts students. By partnering with ArtCenter Manatee, that commitment is furthered by giving these young artists a 'voice' - three museum-quality galleries, where their work can be professionally displayed and where the artists can receive positive recognition by a wider audience.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast & taps a toe to our fabulous Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 - 3:00 with live Jazz during Sunday Brunch from Noon - 4:00. We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef's Special menu, bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. Cask & Ale Liquor Locker owners enjoy the benefit of reservations for tables, holidays or special occasions! Continue the good vibes to make the most of your weekend. Voted Best Cocktails by SRQ Magazine!
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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